CDA withdraws fare increase for Metro, EV services

Islamabad:On directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Wednesday withdrew 100 percent increase in fare for orange, blue and green line Metro Bus Service and Electric Vehicle Feeder Routes Service with immediate effect.

“As per directives of the Prime Minister, the single journey fare for the Orange Line Metro Bus Service, Green Line, Blue line and Electric Vehicle Feeder Route Service has been restored to Rs50,” a public notice issued by CDA said adding the restored fare will be applicable from Wednesday.

Earlier, the CDA management while announcing to increase fare for the transport service from June 01, had stated the authority have to pay Rs3.66 billion per year subsidy with Rs 50 as single journey fare. The spokesman while giving reason for increase in fare by 100 percent had stated that approximately 85,000 passengers travel in 30 Orange Line buses, 10 Blue line, 10 Green line and 160 Electric buses.

He said the overall service, costs Rs5.12 billion per year whereas the total income remains Rs1.46 billion with Rs50 fare for single journey and with increase in fare, the income was likely to increase to Rs2.33 billion.

However, the decision to increase fare invited attention of the Prime Minister and unrest among citizens. As such, Prime Minister directed the Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi to restore the previous fare of Rs50 immediately. The Capital Development Authority will continue to pay Rs3.66 billion as subsidy to continue the mass transit facility.